3 Takeaways From Flames 4-1 Loss To Predators

The Calgary Flames had a chance to sweep their season series with the Nashville Predators. They threw everything at their opponent but the kitchen sink, suffering a 4-1 loss behind Ryan O'Reilly's hat trick.

After dominating teams at home during the season's early stages, the Flames are now 1-3-2 in their last six home games. What went wrong on Saturday night?

Special Teams Giveth and Taketh Away

On a night with only seven penalties, the Flames watched one of the league's worst power plays look unstoppable. O'Reilly gave the Predators a 2-0 lead with two goals on the man advantage.

Meanwhile, Calgary, who had three power plays of their own, didn't use those opportunities to their advantage to get back into the game down 1-0 and 2-0. The Flames' only goal came at even strength off the stick of Mikael Backlund.

Even though neither team got a power play in the third, the damage had already been done. The Flames fell behind at 4:27 and spent 55 minutes chasing the game. Moreover, the Predators became the eighth team to score two power-play goals against the Flames this season.

Difficult to Beat a Shot-Blocking Machine

According to the final totals, the Flames registered 32 shots on goal, and surprisingly, the Predators blocked 30, almost the same total Calgary managed to get through to Justus Annunen.

Meanwhile, Calgary missed an additional 19 shots, so the home team fired 81 pucks at their opponents, with only 39.5% of them getting on goal. Considering how poorly Nashville has played all season, it was a little surprising to see how well they have bonded since they last met the Flames on Dec. 10.

In 48 hours, the Predators came to Western Canada, gave up one goal, and blocked 49 shots. Unfortunately, Calgary just caught them amid a hot streak.

Where is the Secondary Scoring?

For one of the rare moments of the season, neither Jonathan Huberdeau nor Nazem Kadri found their name on the scoresheet, and the Flames managed to score only one goal and lost.

Calgary may have eight skaters with more than five goals, but unless Zary scores, the team wins and loses based on the performances of Huberdeau and Kadri.

Related: Flames Players Who Begin 2025 On Lengthy Goal Droughts

Not everyone will reach five or even ten goals, but where are the lamplighters from former 30-goal scorers Yegor Sharangovich and Blake Coleman? Where's the production from the kids like Martin Pospisil and Jakob Pelletier?

After 39 games, the Flames have scored just 105 goals, which now ranks 28th in the NHL. Only the New York Islanders (103), Chicago Blackhawks (100), Nashville Predators (98), and Anaheim Ducks (97) are catching up.

Flames & Predators Trivia Answers

How did you score in our Game Day Trivia quiz? Here are the answers.

1. Curtis Glencross

2. Jarome Iginla

3. Jarome Iginla

4. Mark Giordano

5. Robyn Regehr

6. Phil Housley

7. Calle Järnkrok

8. Johnny Gaudreau

9. Mike Smith

10. Mike Vernon